The Influence of Polymerization Type and Reinforcement Method on Flexural Strength of Acrylic Resin

Figure 3

Short glass fiber samples. (a) Heat-polymerized resin showing fiber dislodgement (×55 magnification). Fibers changed their original position (tensile stress zone) to neutral stress zone possibly due to applied pressure during heat polymerization. (b) Self-polymerized resin showing lower fiber dislodgement, which could be found at tensile stress zone (×46 magnification). (c) Higher magnification (×10,000 magnification) of heat-polymerized specimen showing fibers close to resin and with clear signals of adhesion to resin matrix (arrow). (d) Higher magnification (10,000 magnification) of self-polymerized specimen showing space between fibers and resin as a result of the decrease of adhesive interaction (arrows).

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